Robert McCrum on books + Emile Zola | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/books/series/robert-mccrum-on-books+emilezola
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Why writers make reluctant revolutionarieshttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/feb/20/novelists-protest-egypt-aswany-lafayette
For all the romance of the writer as revolutionary, few have dared to man the barricades<p>Worried about the future role of the book? Consider this tale of two novels. In France, disaffected voters have been defiantly reading <em>La&nbsp;Princesse de Clèves</em>, a tale of thwarted love by Madame de Lafayette first published in 1678. The book is taught in most French classrooms and&nbsp;is generally conceded to be a tough&nbsp;read.</p><p>But badges inscribed with "I am reading <em>La Princesse de Clèves</em>" were one of the most popular items at the recent Paris book fair, with public readings of the novel in theatres and universities. The explanation? <em>La Princess de Clèves</em> has become the focus of opposition to an unpopular president for one simple reason: Sarkozy hates it, and has often expressed his dislike of the book.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/feb/20/novelists-protest-egypt-aswany-lafayette">Continue reading...</a>EgyptProtestAleksandr SolzhenitsynEmile ZolaWorld newsCultureBooksSun, 20 Feb 2011 00:04:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/feb/20/novelists-protest-egypt-aswany-lafayettePhotograph: Eamonn Mccabe/Eamonn McCabeAlaa al-Aswany, hailed by some as the voice of Egyptian revolution. Photograph: Eamonn MccabePhotograph: Eamonn Mccabe/Eamonn McCabeAlaa al-Aswany, hailed by some as the voice of Egyptian revolution. Photograph: Eamonn MccabeRobert McCrum2011-02-20T00:04:04Z